‘Maybe it’s because we love the sesh’: how Wales is bucking Britain’s pub-closing trend
Wales is experiencing a surge in new pub openings, contrasting with the overall trend of pub closures across Britain. The Pig & Swill in Cardiff is one of several new establishments that have opened recently, attracting positive community response. Despite economic challenges, local entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future of the hospitality sector in Wales.
- ▪At least six new pubs and taphouses have opened in Wales recently, including the Pig & Swill in Cardiff.
- ▪The British Beer and Pub Association reported that 161 pubs closed in the first quarter of 2026, a 26% increase from the previous year.
- ▪Wales is the only part of the UK to see new pub openings amidst a national trend of closures.
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Lewis Dwyer and Andy Aston, owners of the Pig & Swill, Cardiff’s newest pub. Photograph: Owen MathiasView image in fullscreenLewis Dwyer and Andy Aston, owners of the Pig & Swill, Cardiff’s newest pub. Photograph: Owen MathiasWales‘Maybe it’s because we love the sesh’: how Wales is bucking Britain’s pub-closing trend At least six new pubs and taphouses have opened in recent months, including the Pig & Swill in Cardiff Bethan McKernan Wales correspondentSat 30 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 30 May 2026 07.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOn a hot Thursday evening in Canton, a buzzy Cardiff neighbourhood, a steady stream of people in sunglasses, shorts and dresses went back and forth between bar and garden at the city’s newest pub, the Pig & Swill.Next door, in Victoria Park,…
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